[Vision2020] News From the Legislature - Rep. Ringo

[Shirley Ringo]

NEWS FROM THE LEGISLATURE

 

My position on the Joint Finance Committee continues to be interesting and challenging.

 

Projecting revenues becomes a significant piece of budget building.  The "Economic Outlook Committee" makes a recommendation.  Then the Joint Finance Committee decides whether or not to accept the committee's revenue projection.

 

There is a significant disadvantage to "low-balling" the revenue projection.  It results in officially unexpected money not being built into the base for planning budgets.  As with this year, those dollars are treated as surplus.  The surplus mentality is usually accompanied by calls for one-time-spending.  It offers an excuse for those who reject long term commitment to programs such as Head Start, Community Treatment Centers, and others that improve quality of life and save money in the future. 

 

The Governor's State-of-the-State message definitely reflects the ramifications of low revenue projections, and use of "surplus" dollars.  Idahoans are aware that in recent years, there has been anemic support for public schools, higher education, teacher and public employee pay, to name a few.  We know there is concern about providing appropriate property tax relief, and that courts are mandating a fair system of state support for public school buildings.  While the Governor addressed salaries for public employees and support for schools to an extent, he dropped the ball on property tax relief and public school buildings.

 

One of the Governor's proposals for use of one-time moneys, giving each person a $50 "energy rebate", is failing to get much support from either political party so far.  The cost of this program would exceed $60,000,000.  (I have heard support only from the Governor's staff and Jim Fischer of the Lewiston Tribune so far, but there may be more.)  Instead, the Democrats propose directing meaningful support for energy costs and weatherization to low income individuals who truly need the help.  This targeted assistance would cost about $20 million.  The difference in cost between our program and that of the Governor would be used to enhance public school salaries, and to launch a program to increase state support for school construction.

 

I will keep the flow of information coming.  Please keep me informed about your thoughts.

 

 Shirley
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